Category: Devotional

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“Wisdom’s Cry” Proverbs 3: 3&4, 9-12 (Part 4 – The Fruit of Wisdom)

Wisdom’s Cry  Proverbs 3: 3&4, 9-12 (Part 5 – The Fruit of Wisdom)
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”
 
“Honor — the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

 

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:
For — whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father — the son in whom he delighteth.”
As we mature in our walk the desire to be pleasing to the Lord  deepens, which is good and very necessary. One of the struggles we have in growing our faith is to overcome parting with “our money.” One of milestones of maturing faith is we realize that it is not “our money.” The money we earn we’ve earned because of the gifts and talents He has given us. Therefore it is only right that a percentage of it goes back to Him. To “Honor — the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:” and to do it cheerfully ( for God loves a cheerful giver 2Corinthians 6:7).
I think we all agree, however it still is a struggle, why?
There can be a multitude of reasons. We were not wise with our finances and got ourselves into debt, or we are putting our kids through college and financially we are tight, or our car broke down or we need a new roof etc. These and many more situations can be reasons for why giving is challenging. However I see these as more superficial reasons, though they do have merit to them. Let me explain. There is a more true reason, one that goes deep into the heart – to its very core. The “DNA of our soul,” in fact of every living creature is basically the same. We all have the need to feel  secure.  I see this need in our pet dogs. When they hear a noise at night it threatens them and so they bark, or when I come home from work they want me to spend time with them. It makes them feel secure. When I tap on the glass of fish aquarium the fish go hiding into the plants. The noise scares them making them feel insecure. Literally all that breathes has the need to feel secure.
And for many of us money represents that. With money we pay our bills, buy our food pay for our home, cloth our family etc., all the basic needs for a secure life. Without money or sufficient money we tend to feel more vulnerable, unable to fully met our needs. And feeling vulnerable is very telling. It reveals to us that are true security or trust is not in the Lord. Though we profess that we trust the Lord, to truly trust the Lord means He is our security and not our money. When He becomes our true security and no longer our finances we have had a major shift in our soul. Our faith now dictates our state of being and no longer our finances. We are now relying on God’s faithfulness to us. And as we begin to really walk with God trusting in Him, we begin to really experience His faithfulness to us.  We stop measuring our security by our bank account.
And as we live faith lead lives this doesn’t necessarily mean that all are needs are going to be met. What living by faith means, especially in hard situations is that we know that God knows and that’s all we need to know. If we go without, it’s not because God forgot about us rather it is for training in righteousness...” — I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.( I have learned that) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil 4:12&13)”
When we reach this point of maturity then giving takes on a whole different meaning. We are glad to give so that the ministry of the gospel can reach others. That others can find the same help we have found. To know that by our giving we are aiding in the furthering of the gospel is so worth it. Whatever we may have to do without because we gave is small in comparison. The joy alone far outweighs what we do without. Especially knowing that in countries where Christianity is illegal, the believers go with so much less. To go without just a little bit makes us more mindful to pray for our brothers and sisters.
“So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Money can be a trap for the soul that many a Christian falls into. Therefore God is unable to bless them with more. However for the few that truly have found their security in Christ alone, making money an idol is not even an issue. They understand that they are simply conduits that God is using to bless others. They have been entrusted with the stewardship of giving and the greatest desire is not to build for themselves their own castle, but that the Great King of all wealth and treasures  finds them to be faithful stewards. To be found as such, no amount of wealth could ever compare. This is the heart of one who truly trusts and worships God. There are no false idols in his/ her heart. May we understand ourselves and be honest enough to know that if money is our security that we confess this to the Lord and begin to pray that God would help us to make Him our security.
The saying that money cannot buy happiness is true. It can buy things that temporarily make you happy, but it does not help you get along with your spouse or your children, co- workers and or neighbors. And it does not truly make you feel better about yourself. All benefits are mostly superficial. Look at the lives of movie stars. They have millions but cannot remain married. Multitude of divorces and remarries are no way to live life. Money has not brought them happiness. And it’s funny, with all their wealth they are still very insecure, getting face lifts and body part improvements etc. Money is a false foundation for security and the soul seems to know it deep down inside. The only true security is when Christ is Lord in one’s heart. Nothing replaces or assures the heart as the Love of God. When this is your foundation then money and its use is not complicated. You will not want to make decisions that will get you in debt because you want to maintain your giving. Nor do you want any idol to interfere with your relationship with God.  And if Christ is Lord then you will not be deceived into thinking that happiness is found through a thing that has no life. Only Christ has the ability to grant peace and love.
Father God,
Thank you for this insightful study. May this be the cry of our heart to experience your love for us consistently and not to be deceived into thinking that finances could ever replace You. It is but a tool. It can be used for selfish means or to bless and help others. Help us to be found faithful. Thank you and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
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“Wisdom’s Cry” (Part 3 – The Fruit of Wisdom)

Proverbs 3:3-4; 3:9-12  (KJV) (Part 4 – The Fruit of Wisdom)

 

“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee:

Bind them about thy neck;

Write them upon the table of thine heart:

So shalt thou find favour and good understanding

In the sight of God and man.”

 

“Honour the Lord with thy substance,

And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,

And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

 

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord;

Neither be weary of his correction:

For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth;

Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

 

 

 

Mercy or ” Hesed” is the Hebrew for kindness, faithfulness, loving kindness, etc., which are all traits that are the core makeup of God.  And Truth, “Met,” is often paired up with “Hesed,” and it means truth.  We speak the truth, and we live lives of truth (transparent), because we have nothing to hide. At least, that should be each believer’s goal.  To me, a truthful person is more than not telling a lie.  It is someone who is approachable, transparent, easy to talk with, sincere, and not perfect, yet is not afraid to let others see his or her imperfections. They are comfortable in their own skin, because their confidence is no longer in themselves to conquer their monsters.  Their confidence is in The Lord, who is able to change them and who has changed them.  And most importantly, they are transparent before the Lord—not that we could hide anything if we wanted to, but it is living in the awareness that The Lord sees all and has my permission to touch, take, and/or change that which He sees as a hindrance to our relationship with Him.  A truthful person is also a hopeful person, because he or she knows that living in the day-to-day reality of Christ as Lord is the absolute strongest, most secure place to be. There is no stronger point of reference for life. 

 

And Hesed is a necessary addition to living a truthful life.  There are those who are ” truthful” but their words cut.  They speak without compassion or consideration of how their words will affect the other person.  The truthfulness of The Lord always has the betterment of the other person in mind.  Some things can be received, and some things cannot be received and are better left to prayer.  To feel that we need to “dump this message of truth” upon someone, not considering whether they can receive it or not, is not living in Hesed.  And if we do not live in Hesed, it is doubtful that we are representing God’s “Met.”  Often, we spiritualize our true motives, making them seem “righteous,” where in reality, it is more about us and how their actions or habits bug us.  It is not because we really want to help them.  Now that is being truthful!

 

“…Bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:” “Qasar, “to bind,” literally means to fasten; to secure an object to another object. And it has its figurative meanings as well, such as in I Samuel 18:1: “Jonathan’s soul was bound (or knit) to the soul of David.”  It is also used as in binding someone in a conspiracy, an entrapment.  The trap is so set that there is no escaping—they are bound, whether they are truly guilty or not.  It is a strong word, and the definition that best speaks to me is “to knit.”  The concept is, as I mature in my walk with the Lord and expose my soul to His Word, the Holy Spirit “knits” His truths to me—much like the work of knitting different color threads to the tapestry of a blanket.  The colors form the “character” of the blanket.  Whether it looks contemporary or western, etc., God’s Word forms our character into His sons and daughters. The instruction in 1 Samuel about raising children is exactly like this. You talk to them “in the way” (figurative for life) teaching a line here and a line there…”For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” As their soul is growing, we are knitting God’s truth to them, so that when they are “old, they do not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6), because the truth has become a part of them.

 

 

At times, we read sentences as these, “bind them about thy neck…,” and we read it as if it is simply poetical and hence optional.  It is not optional if one wants to experience the blessing:  “So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” A great example of this verse is the life of Joseph:  “And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.  And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?  And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed — thee — all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:  Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.”  I believe God wants all of us to be a Joseph in our area of influence and to speak and represent God’s wisdom as we “go in the way.”

 

When we do not follow God’s commands, things do not go well, at least not as God would have it.  One of the first fallouts is seen in our relationships, be it husband and wife, employer and employee, or neighbor to neighbor.  We wonder why we are having these problems. We need to connect the dots and understand that the fruitfulness of our life in all its facets is directly related to our commitment to our relationship with God. (God have patience with us!).  When fear, insecurity, or “me-first” attitudes govern these relationships instead of God’s truth, it is no wonder we have problems.  These attitudes of fear, insecurity and me-first tear relationships down—they do not build them up.  How important it is to “find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”  The fullness and fruitfulness of our life depends on it.

 

Father God,

Thank you for this short devotional. May its impact be meaningful, refining us more into your sons and daughters. Thank you and Amen.

Arthur Navarrette

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” What is Success?” Wisdom Series ( Proverbs 8:11-13&13-15, & 35-36)

Vida4U ” What is Success?” Wisdom Series ( Proverbs 8:11-13&13-15, & 35-36)
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
 
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
 
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord.
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
 
“All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.” It’s amazing how confusing we can make the scriptures and reinterpret them when there is motive in our heart to do so. If we find the need to justify a belief or action we can probably pull a verse out of context that will help us to achieve this. However as mentioned in a prior Vida, we leave God behind. Therefore then, what is the point? It is much better to be honest with God and ask Him to help us to understand.
“They are all plain to him that understandeth and right to them that find (seek) knowledge.” “Plain to him that understandeth” implies a heart that seeks God for God, not with any pretense or need to defend, or to prove a position.When in humility I come to God simply because He is the life giver and I am in need of His life, the scriptures become clear. When something other than that approach is present is when we start having problems. We say this verse really means this, because in its current understanding it speaks against something we want. The more my heart just wants to know the Lord, willing to give up that which is causing the conflict, the more purposeful and meaningful become the scriptures. In this context the Holy Spirit is able to use His written Word to penetrate my heart, taking away selfishness, fear, lust, pride etc., and replacing these carnal attitudes with the secure knowledge of being loved.
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. There’s Godly learning that frees you from the values of this life, which are temporal. These temporal values can trap us, enslaving us to a life of debt. However the confidence that comes with His love, frees us from the need to be anything but His child. To “trade in” something that is temporal for something that is eternal is what receiving Godly instruction teaches you. How can there even be any comparison or even much grief over such an exchange? As my heart and mind learn to make Godly  decisions, my life will become more stable not needing to second guess my decisions.
“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
Pride is such a stumbling block to our walk with God. Because of it we feel or say that God’s Word is irrelevant and that we do not need to follow it. Or we say it has been reinterpreted incorrectly an hence is inaccurate. I would say that your god is very small. Cannot He who created the world not preserve His Word? Is man greater than God that he can overrule God? There is not a page of scripture that the Holy Spirit has not used to teach me and quicken my spirit. To downgrade the scriptures to something less than God’s written Word is really just an excuse from a heart that does not want to surrender to God’s rule of order which He is FULLY entitled to have. Does the pot say to its maker why did you make me as such? Or does a child defy it’s parents,  dictating the rules of the home? I would hope not, what chaos and disorder there would be. Hence this is why our world is in the state that it is in.  We have openly defied God, disallowing His claim as Lord and not only reaping the consequences of that, but also not enjoying or experiencing His love. It is a lose, lose situation. We lose and He loses, for His heart wants nothing more than to be in communion with us, His creation and He uses His Word to teach and correct.
Not only is this important to realize but look at the freedom we have by reverencing the Lord.  We naturally  will ” hate evil, pride, arrogance, the evil way and the forward mouth.” No great lost, I won’t miss any of these vices that enslave the souls of men. My  reverence of the Lord and His Word makes me a free man.
“Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.”
We say that hindsight is 20/20. In other words looking back on an event or a past action you would say knowing what I know now I would have said this or done that. By receiving God’s instructions now and ordering our life accordingly we minimize our regrets. Making right decisions as we are moving forward in life is not hard to do when you rightly value that which He values. I may think that a job promotion is what I need to be happy, or being in a relationship with this person, or saving  this amount of money. If I have one or all these I now can feel secure. However the Holy Spirit teaches me that the only true security is in Him. He and He alone is able to keep us through the storms of life. For we are all subject to the ups and downs of this life. Wether or not we have the perfect job, or married the right person, or are financially secure challenges, painful events, even tragedies happen to us all.
One of my favorite Bible figures is Joshua. Alone in the wilderness, and I presume he is praying, he sees this soldier,” And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?

And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
And the captain of the Lord’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest — is holy. And Joshua did so.

Joshua shows great security and confidence as he goes over to this stranger, prepared to fight him. I’m sure this stranger looked formidable with his sword drawn, and probably a bigger man. However Joshua showed no fear in taking him on. What was the source of Joshua’s courage? It is revealed in the next verse. In being faced with his heavenly counterpart he demonstrates immediate reverence. Some believe that this is the Lord Jesus because of the statement “take off your sandals.” The Lord said this to Moses, but we do not see Angels saying this, e.g. Mary’s announcement of being the mother of Jesus, or Elizabeth announcement of baring John the Baptist.
 This is such a great lesson in humility. Why do we fear, why do we worry so and trouble our soul late into the evenings? Humility says God is bigger still! We must often, and learn to love to say, as John the Baptist,”I must decrease and He must increase.” As God increases in us, the greater our freedom. Watch yourself, learn to read your soul. Our fears and worries reveal to us our weaknesses. Use these human reactions to show you what scriptures you need to meditate on, and by it become the stronger. Armor upon armor until there is no weakness but a perfect, quiet, abiding trust in a Father that cannot fail.  (Will finish these verses next week).
Father God,
Thank you for this study.  May the truth spoken become part of our armor. Make us strong Father as we commit to spending time with You in study, prayer and meditation. Thank you and Amen.
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
Arthur Navarrette
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“Wisdom’s Cry” (Part 1 – The purpose of Proverbs)

Wisdom’s Cry (Part 1 – The purpose of Proverbs)
Just a note: With this being spring, our busiest time of year, there will be weeks that more lunches are worked than taken therefore not allowing time to write Vida. So during those weeks please visit our website Vida4U.com or just enjoy a longer time in God’s Word.
 
Proverbs 1: 1-5 & 7 ” The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

 
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
 
According to these verses we are not equal before our Maker; there are the fools and the wise. Just like the student in class that listens and gains the favor of the teacher, so those who listen to God’s instructions become wise and gain His favor. The student that acts out gets the attention of the vice principal or is set home. Though we are not all equal we are all equally loved by virtue that Christ died for all people. Our “value” is the same but the differences occur in our relationship to Him. Those who follow Him are blessed and receive his guidance and are considered wise. The foolish are defined as those who seek not the Lord’s wisdom relying on their own understanding and thereby rejecting  the morality that God has set forth. Pharaoh’s wise men were considered fools ( Isa.19:11).  Therefore those who do not seek Him are on their own. It is the fear (or reverence ) for God that divides us.
 When I was 20 yrs. old I was promoted from watching 8 people and 2 acres of greenhouse plants to 40 people and 15 acres of liner stock. It was the heart of a 600 acre wholesale nursery where plants were “born,” grown and prepared for future life. I basically freaked out. I did not know how to manage that many people especially since many were the age of my parents. Nor did I have experience with this much acreage with such a high concentration of “baby”plants. One mistake and I could ruin a whole crop for the season or set it back. I was in school taking horticulture classes at night but the management classes I had taken didn’t prepare me for managing people older than myself. It was presupposed that managers were always older than those they managed. That’s why they were managers – more experienced, I was not.  I maintained a constant state of panic praying constantly asking The Lord for His wisdom. The Holy Spirit led me to this verse;
“The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. (2Samuel 23:3&4)”
 
King David also was very young ( around 23) when he started to rule Judah. However prior to being king God prepared him in that he served King Saul. He showed himself as a valiant soldier and soon was leading men into war. He was undefeated and soon gained for himself a name among the people. So much so that the people sang this song for him “Saul has killed his thousands, and David has killed his tens of thousands ( 1 Samuel 18:7).” The people acknowledged his military victories as greater than Saul’s. Because of this David had to eventually flee for his life. Saul’s jealousies led him to seek David’s life. As well as Saul sought to protect his throne for his son Johnathan.  However what time David did spend under Saul prepared him to rule later when Saul and unfortunately Jonathan were killed in battle. This had to be for the Davidic line of the Messiah to be fulfilled. But this verse of ruling over men I’m sure was of much comfort to David as it was to me. Thru this verse God was preparing me.  I could fear ( reverence) God, that was easy for me and because of that I would be just over men.  I didn’t have to waver or second guess  my decisions.
In applying this verse, the Holy Spirit taught me to see all men and women with equal value. I saw how different I was from all the other managers. They held themselves above the people. In time my department with the same number of employees as the manager I was replacing ( he was promoted) set new production records and our end product was fuller than prior. Meaning that plants were going to market earlier. Less time on the ground meant more profit for the nursery. The man that I replaced had the humility to congratulate me on my success. He was twice my age. I learned then that age meant nothing to God. He used a donkey to rebuke Balaam, He could use a 20 yr. old to show others the work of God in a yielded vessel. The verse became an anchor in my soul and fortified within me that the only difference between me and those I managed were our responsibilities. My job was to move the work forward, their job was to be my hands and feet.  Once I understood this verse all my fears were gone. I’m many years older now and have run my own company for 25 years yet my management style has not changed from that day. The power and testimony of God’s Word goes unrivaled in my life.
In reading the verses we are studying there is a clear path to follow with a list of the benefits – they are  all good!  “To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; ” Why would we not want these virtues and be blessed? However many do not, why? The key word seems to be “To receive.” Laqah is the Hebrew word and it means what you would think, but it also has a unique meaning as well. The assumed meaning is “to take, to acquire, or to buy.” However it also speaks of an adult bird carrying its young on its back (Duet.32). Which is interesting and an  interesting application can be rendered if we use this word picture. Therefore to receive implies a willingness to carry the truth “on your back” or we would say in your heart. This is a heart that is willing to be taught (humble) and receive instruction unto itself. As precept is added to precept, a line ( of instruction) upon line (Isaiah 28:9&10) the power to fly is increased. For in the truth is strenght and as strenght increases the very storms that keep others down are caught in your wings of faith and being fortified by the truth lift you higher, above the storm. As one devotional writer has said “take from the very storm the force that empowers it and make it your own.” In Christ and in faith this is not just a neat saying but truth. It can be done. When God is seen as bigger than that which threatens you, then the very storm lifts you closer to Him, not farther.
Therefore ” To receive” means all the virtues of “of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;…  knowledge and discretion”  become ours with the chief virtue being humility which will always fear or have reverence for the Lord. To be void of this is to reject the very hand that only seeks to help you. As a dad who extends his hand to his son who is struggling to swim, so God extends His hand out to us. The sad truth is that God’s hand is rejected, “but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Pride in other words becomes the nemisis of humility. We will continue this next week.
Father God,
 More important than being a good preacher, a singer, or even gifted in healing is one of a humble and contrite spirit. For that son or daughter is teachable, pliable and mold able and more importantly usable. We become a useful tool in the hands of the Master. Let that be each one of our desires. Thank you and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
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“Wisdom’s Cry” (Part 2 – The purpose of Proverbs)

Vida4U – Wisdom’s Cry (Part 2 – The purpose of Proverbs)
 
 
Proverbs 1: 1-5 & 7 ” The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

 
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
I copied the ending paragraph of the devotional prior to Easter to carry our topic forward.
Therefore “To receive” means all the virtues of “of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;…  knowledge and discretion”  become ours with the chief virtue being humility which allows us to receive and have reverence for the Lord. To ignore this is to reject the very hand that only seeks to help. Like a dad who extends out his hand to his son or daughter who is struggling, so God extends out his hand to us. The sad truth is that His hand is often rejected, why – “but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Pride in other words becomes the nemisis of humility as hatre is the nemisis of love.
“A wise man will hear and will increase”  verses “ but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The verb to “hear” has with its meaning “to do.” We hear music but there is no action that requires follow up, this is not that. To correctly hear means that what is heard is acted upon. Obedience sucedes the hearing. “Increase” implies repeated action. The benefit of consistent obedience is that “increase” is multiplied. In context it is referring to learning. He or she will continually become wiser. Proverb teaches that wisdom is better than riches. That nothing you could attain to in the material world can compare to Godly wisdom. In the world there are people who are very intelligent, having high I.Q’s but they have no reverence for God. And though they are sought after for their professional knowledge, often their personal lives show the fallout of despising Godly wisdom. Godly wisdom is practical and useful, not only for one’s personal life but also in one’s field of expertise. I could not imagine doing my profession without the help of the Holy Spirit.
With nothing but good to be gained why then do “ fools despise wisdom and instruction.” I have often wondered why more people do not seek a relationship with the Lord. And why as believers we are not fully pressing into the Lord and taking God at His Word. With both believers and non believers these questions have always concerned me. The word to “despise” is a strong word. It means to hold in contempt. It indicates scorn or disrespect for someone or something. This ought not to be true of any believer. However I know as believers we struggle with valuing our time with God – making our devotions and prayer time top priority. “Despise” is not a word I would use to describe this, however I do believe it has to do with our preception of the Lord and our own heart. Are we truly grateful for our salvation? Have we really repented of our former life? The verses below describe the right attitudes as well as the wrong attitudes.
 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. (Proverbs 28:13&14)
 
“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat ( prosper). He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: ( here is our definition of a fool) but whoso walketh wisely,( trusting in the Lord) he shall be delivered( Proverbs 28:25&26)
 
For whoso findeth me ( wisdom) findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord.
But he that sinneth against me (wisdom) wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me ( wisdom) love death ( Proverbs 8: 35&36) A super strong statement.
 
The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding ( Proverbs 9:10)
To examine our hearts in light of these scriptures is so critical to our future walk with Christ, especially if we want to grow and experience more of Him. For those who trust not in the Lord these verses get right to the heart – it’s always an issue of surrender “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.”  By this definition a fool is not an unlearned person, to the contrary it can refer to someone very educated. They take pride in their learning and in their achievements so much so that they have become their own god. And the true God who has given to them their ability to learn is out of the picture. That is who the Bible calls a fool. It’s either me or God. If I think I can do a better job than God then I don’t need God, and that is the epitome of a fool.
The other side of the coin is “why would God even want me?” Feelings of insecurity which usually reflect back on our upbringing. It’s still pride as strange as that sounds. If pride is defined as an overt attention to self – how great I am or how great I’m not, my eyes are still on me and not the Lord.  In either case both attitudes are answered by the Cross. The Cross gives me all the value I need to come to God. I can come in the fullness of confidence, not at all based on my worth but by the worth the Cross places on me – regardless of what I’m not.  The Cross also teaches  me that no matter how capable and great I think I might be, I am light years away from being saved by own merits.Therefore when the Lord stretched out His arms on the Cross and paid the price for the eternal chasm that existed between my sin and His Holiness He purchased for me an open door to my Heavenly Father and Husband.
In ending part two the attitude we want to cultivate is best expressed by King David in Psalms 51: 10&11 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.” If this attitude becomes our prayer then there is nothing that the Holy Spirit cannot remake in us. No hurdle of insecurity or moral defect that we cannot overcome in Him. To now shun His invitation comes with a very strong warning that has taken me a bit to understand, ” But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” The first part is very clear and easy to understand, the last part from a human perspective is not. However if we view the verse from God’s perspective who offers life, to reject Him is therefore to accept death. There’s not a middle ground. When we think of it in these terms saying no to God on any level is a little scary. No more sweeping attitudes contrary to God  “under the rug,” we must deal with them.
Father God,
 Paul said that we are more than conquers because of your undying relentless love in our life. Regardless of our own insufficiencies or fears  let us always run to the Cross not from it. And if pride is our stumbling block let us see how pride chokes the life right out of us. Let this one change be firmly established in our mind and heart. Thank you and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur

 

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Vida4U ” What is Success?” Part II Wisdom Series ( Proverbs 8:11-13&13-15, & 35-36)

All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
 
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
 
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord.
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
 
“Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.” Last week we ended our devotional with this verse. My profession as a landscaper allows me to met with a wide range of people. Most are stable financially, for a landscape is not an inexpensive endeavor. Their occupations vary, some are business owners, others have been with their companies for years and are now in key positions, others have  invested wisely etc. However I have observed that financial gain does not mean “sound wisdom…understanding or strenght.” With a good mind to understand their profession they have prospered, but some have hearts that do not understand life or how to live it outside of their field. Wealth without a wise heart has many pitfalls, causing us to value things over people. The result of that is pretty bad. Broken relationships and numerous bad decisions often are the result.  How much better to have sound wisdom (which begins with reverencing the Lord) and understanding and thereby governing/valuing all our relationships and discerning justly. Blessed many times over will be the man or woman who so orders their life as such – way beyond what wealth can give.
“I am understanding;” not I have understanding, but I am understanding – I am the source. To have the Holy Spirit abiding within is to possess the source of all understanding. To not abide in Him daily and sense His presence is to forfeit the greatest privilege a man can have. It is sad to me that many of us live compromised lives. Because of the tensions and stresses life has we feel compelled to turn our attention away from the Lord and address the problems. We prioritize the tensions, struggles and even the good things before Him, yet He is understanding. Via His wisdom all things can be resolved with less stress and less mistakes. It takes a step of faith to trust, to change the course of always fretting and worrying. Without taking a step of faith to trust God and seek Him first, our lives will never change. If all the enemy has to do is keep you busy with  problems and that keeps you from your devotions, then I already know your future.
” I have strength.” The word is used to describe the delivering power of God’s right hand; power to save His anointed ones (us). I am sure there are some of us that have been in impossible situations only to see things come to order by simply praying and waiting on the Lord. That is so cool.  However the opposite can be true as well. There are times that faith requires action and at the end of what seemed an impossible day or a season in our life, it all worked out and we are the stronger for it. He has all the strenght we need; for today, for tomorrow and for as many tomorrow’s as we need. By abiding in Him, strenght is imparted,
 
“For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord.”
There is nothing that I am saying that is profound. It’s practical, practical things of the Spirit that if we lived as such, everyday would be a day to know God’s presence and see His hand in our life. The biggest blessing I have in life has nothing to do with my day to day circumstances. It is His presence that signals that I am right with Him, my Lord and Father. I am secure in Him and in that my life consists. That my( our) life brings Him joy is also amazing. This then is my biggest blessing. Good days, hard days etc., they go and come but the heart beat of my soul is knowing His presence – nothing more.  To live day in and day out abiding in Him gives you a victors attitude, as opposed to a victims attitude that unfortunately too many of us have. We must learn that we truly “can do all things in Christ” ( Philipians 4:13). A great place to find the Lord is through the study of the scriptures. They ( the verses) have been my principle teachers as the Holy Spirit has taken the written Word and made it living inside of me. There are many that seek to reinterpret the scriptures claiming that the text does not say what it says. Or they criticize that the current translations have been maligned by man. Yet I believe that God is “God Enough” to preserve it from the corrupt hands of man. There are renderings that are a little too loose for my taste, however the translation from which it was rendered is accurate.
Yahweh, the Hebrew name of God, implies an all powerful Being, very capable, very ,very  God; nothing can thwart, change or interfere with His will.  I pay very little attention to statements about the Bible being corrupted. I can read someone’s attempt to downgrade the Bible by sighting historical occurrences as much as I can read someone sighting the same historical occurrences and yet note the respect they have for the scriptures. If you are seeking The Lord by your way and the Holy Spirit is absent from your life, you have to ask yourself why? He died to be able to have a relationship with you. What in your belief system is preventing Him from having that with you?
“But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.”
If obedience to God brings life, then disobedience to God brings death. And there are two deaths and unfortunately this is were some of us check out. We want to hear all the nice warm and fuzzy stuff about following Christ – about mercy and forgiveness. However we do not want to hear about the consequences of living a life that is not in submission to the Holy Spirit, hence disobedient. Can a person be a good person and yet be in disobedience to Christ? Of course, tons of people fit this category. And some are exceptionally good people. Jesus said that all sin committed against Him could be forgiven,but whoever sins against the Holy Spirit could not be, “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come” (Matt. 12:31).
This is a  very interesting verse. The role of the Holy Spirit is to testify of Christ to the world. To reject His message is to reject your very own salvation. To speak ill of Christ, but then to hear the testimony of Holy Spirit about  Christ through a message or a friend and receive the message by repenting, all is forgiven and salvation Is granted.
When we chose to disobey the Lord, we never think it is because we love death. However spiritually speaking, which is how The Lord evaluates every action, disobedience is sin and sin left unchecked equals death. And spiritual death occurs while we are still alive, it means we are separated from God. To love death is parallel to loving sin, which is the same as hating God. And again we don’t conscientiously think ” I am going to sin because I hate God.” However Jesus said that we are either for him or against him, we either gather or scatter. There is no middle ground with him. Even the term “lukewarm” does not imply a middle ground, it implies and unregenerate state that BELIEVES it is saved, ” Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:(Revalations 3:17). Therefore the state of being lukewarm is not a marginalized believer, it’s a non believer who believes he is saved because of his or her church activities or good deeds. 
To ignore this warning and to remain in this state is  to  be part of “all they that hate me love death.”  Another definition of the word to hate also could mean “to be unwilling.”

 Super strong warning( I hope that no one receiving Vida fines themselves here. Please call me if you want to talk). 

 
Father God,
 We end on a super strong note, but it does note compare to how You ended your life here on The Cross. Sin, disobedience, pride, self – will all these are traits that tear us down and stumble us in our attempt to find life. Help us to humble ourselves and stop trying to make You fit into our definition of God, it’s not worth the cost. Thank you and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
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“The Will of the Father” Part V – Hearing the right voice

The Christian’s Armor

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

I trust this series is going to be a blessing to all. Many of you understand the correlation between self image and input. If it is something you have not considered, I trust last week’s devotional brought that truth into focus. Once we understand the correlation then we can start inputting truth into us. The Bible calls it meditation. Taking something you learned in your devotions and giving thought and prayer to it until it becomes a pattern- replacing negative or destructive thought. We call these channels. A course the brain travels when a specific situation occurs or certain words are heard. These can be changed. An example. The other night Lisa and I were talking and I jokingly said that “I was more precious than gold.” In the back of my mind I was going to tie that statement into how our “faith is more precious than gold.” However before I could say it Lisa responded by saying, I sure had a high view of myself. As I was about to explain The Holy Spirit spoke and said “why should I not have a high view of myself?” After all I am more precious than gold. His blood covers me. His love abides in me, an adopted prince standing before the throne in Christ. I have every reason to feel more precious than gold. WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO FEEL MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD but we don’t. Why? How would every decision and choice be impacted if we truly lived out our true identity? What keeps us from doing so? Let’s  go into this next series with these questions.

 

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” The Greek word for strong is endunamoo. A compound word from “en” meaning “in or and” and dunamoo ” make strong, vigorous, to strengthen, or become strong. Synonyms are “to enable, to strengthen fully, strengthen so as to establish.” A neat word. The Greek for power is equally significant “Kratos.” It’s meanings are “manifested power,” meaning power that can be seen, not necessarily employed but because of that power it has “dominion (rule).” It emphasizes the presence and significance of force or strength rather than its use.

 

It combining the two we have “Finally brethren conquer and rule (over the sin nature) because of the overwhelming power of God that lies within you.” Since this is true why then are we not experiencing spiritual rulership in our lives? Faith in the Lord brings the  indwelling Holy Spirit.  Faith Is like an extension cord. When the extension cord is plugged in it can run very powerful and heavy duty equipment. However unplugged it powers nothing. Faith is our cord to God’s power. Faith is built (or comes) by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). However ignoring this, prioritizing other things before our devotions to The Lord, and our power cord becomes unplugged. To prioritize means we chose to put God first. I am not talking about days when the choice is not available.

 

He says “come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28), or “Trust in The Lord with all your heart lean not unto your own understanding and I will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5&6, my all time favorite). To take matters into our own hands is to live as though we have no Heavenly Father. It brings injury and sin to our soul. Before sin is ever an action it starts with a thought go my own way. This is to become unplugged. The act creates the consequences “you shall reap what you sow.” Therefore to say no to God when He calls us to fellowship, or choosing not to do so “pulls the cord.”

 

I took a couple weeks of horsemanship classes. I loved horses at the time (I was 13). I was hoping to own one someday. In class they taught you how to properly guide your horse. It was not necessary to pull the reins so that the horse felt the bit in its mouth. Their mouths are very sensitive, and that was poor if not bad guidance. Rather you were simply to lay the reign across the horse’s neck emphasizing with gentle pressure to the side in which you wanted the horse to turn. Boy what a difference. Instead of the horse fighting me and raising up its head wanting freedom from my improper steering, he simply went in the direction I emphasized. There is a neat scripture that speaks of this in Psalms 32:8-9

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they (will not) come near unto thee.” (referring to His promise to guide). He simply wants to impress our spirits with his will and we turn. “He will not yank on the reins.” If we want to go in the opposite direction He will let us go.

 

Father God,

Give us a heart to love Your Word, because it represents fellowship with You. Let us do it because you invite us to come to you, not because we are trying to earn your favor. We are already favored. As you move in us touch those areas in our life that need healing. Thank you and Amen

Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur

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“The Will of the Father” Part IV – Hearing the Right Voice

Ephesians 6:10-13

The Christian’s Armor

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

The whole passage of the Christians armor and our spiritual warfare is extensive and rather detailed. We will take segments of it with each devotional. If this is the first time you have read these verses they can be somewhat alarming. An eye opener for sure. The other challenge could be its application. How do I take what I am reading and apply it to my daily life? I want to review these passages therefore and look to the application of them.

 

In the last devotion I made a point about hearing The Lord’s voice above all the other voices. Let’s define these voices, or better put “the noise in our head.” It can come from within (our self image) or from without (the opinions of others). In either case they reside within our mind which is our processor and determines whether to accept and confirm, or deny and reject the “voice”. Some of the most common voices deal with whether I am accepted or liked, whether I am pretty enough or likable enough, whether I dress right, whether I can hold my own, or if I am “ok in my own skin.”  Beyond that there are relational concerns we carry. We may not forgive ourselves for something we have done in the past. Be it last year or 30 years ago. Also we may have concerns forgiving others or receiving forgiveness from others. We may believe our intelligence is lacking. I know that I was the smartest dummy in my dumbed down math class in high school. I didn’t get math until a senior and by then all my friends were dividing molecules. I learned that I couldn’t win them all and to be OK with that was an important truth to learn.

 

How we were raised or not raised has so much to do with our internal voice. These “home grown” insecurities can last a lifetime if allowed to. All parents make mistakes in raising their kids. Some just make more and much of that depends on how they were raised. So this is the loudest voice we hear, our own voice. The outside voices only have influence over us because they play on or enhance our own insecurities. T.V. infomercials are designed for this. They expose our insecurities. Unfortunately that is what makes for good advertising. You hear it, you believe it and of course you buy it – goal accomplished. At least for them. For us unless the inside changes these quick outside fixes are at best temporary. The change has to be inside to outside, not outside to inside. It’s CRITICAL that we understand this.

 

The caterpillar is still a caterpillar until it metamorphosis and becomes a butterfly. Even if you put him in a butterfly outfit and change his outer appearance, he is still a caterpillar. The change occurs internally and once a butterfly it will never be a caterpillar. By God’s Grace and the work of the Holy Spirit we must metamorphosis from thinking, feeling and hearing with our carnal mind and start inputting spiritual truth. God’s Word is the foundation for this. Change the voice, whether it be the repeated tape we’ve heard from childhood or negative input from others, and change will occur.

 

I diagramed this truth to a high school Bible study group. I drew upon the whiteboard their life, via a stick figure. On one side of my stick figure I listed all the secular voices they heard. Their peers, secular music, carnal movies, T.V shows, and sexual pictures etc., this was their daily “food.” Then on the other side of the stick figure I wrote church and basically Thursday night bible  study. Some went to church on Sunday but most slept in. Then I posed the question based on the input which side is going to influence your decisions the most? My next statement shocked them. “So if you girls end up pregnant you will know why. If you boys fail to reign over your sexual drive and become a slave to them, you’ll know why. If you don’t want this scenario then you must change your input.” They were very quiet after that message. I don’t think they ever saw their life from that perspective. However the same truth applies to us as well. List the secular voices you hear. Putting yours at the top. Then list the Godly input you hear and how often. Based on that  look at your life. If you struggle and feel overwhelmed or ruled over by outside voices now you know why. If Godly freedom is what you want as a bright light growing in you, then God’s Word must be your source. Christ wants to be the voice in your head. Only he has proven absolute love and forgiveness and possess the power to change us. Why should you or I give control of our life to a lesser passion or influence?

 

How do we change this? What does Paul say? “Finally brethren (summing up everything) be strong in The Lord, and in the power of His might (how?). Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” This will be our topic for several weeks to come. For now make time for reading the Bible. If you’re not a reader turn to AM 710 via your radio or smart phone, or do both. They have some great teaching.

 

Father God,

Thank you for letting me understand that not only is change possible, but how to accomplish it. Understanding the influences in my life and their affect on me makes me so much more aware of how I need to guard my input. If I allow junk in junk will come out. Let me not do that but rather the truth of Your Word. Thank you and Amen.

 

Move Forward in His Grace,

Arthur

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“The Will of the Father” Part III

Luke 12:35-38 & 40 (Matt. 24:45- 51) “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat (dinner), and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”

 

We know language changes with time and along with it so do the expressions. I believe that Christ’s intent is understood but let’s examine some of the expressions. “Let your loins be girded about.” Men wore long cloaks. There were no pants. A cloak in our mind is more like a garment of warmth, but I am referring to an overgrown shirt that covered down to the shins. With such a long garment moving fast or doing any kind of serious work would be difficult. To remedy this the garment would be tucked into a belt (Loins girded). This granted the legs greater freedom of movement. The expression then “let your loins (thighs) be girded” came to mean to be prepared for action. Be it physically, emotionally and especially spiritually.”

 

Next expression “your lights burning.” This relates more so to us in that electricity is rather new to man. Prior to electricity oil lamps were used. The trimming of the wick to make the lamp burn brighter was common practice. They also needed to be replenished with oil as it was consumed in producing the light. Another parable similar to this one Jesus told about the five wise virgins and the five foolish ones. Both were waiting for the groom to come. The five wise brought extra oil and the five foolish did not. The foolish asked from the wise for some oil but the wise said no, “but rather go to the merchants and buy for yourselves.” Within the time they were gone the groom returned and because they were not present they were not welcomed in. Again the emphasis of this parable was to live a readied and watchful life for Christ (the groom) to return.

 

Next verse “And ye yourselves (be) like unto men that wait for their lord… that when he comes and knocks, they may open unto him immediately.” Eutheros is the Greek word for immediately and it’s definition along with its synonyms means instantly, immediately (as rendered), straight way, that very instant etc.” To have a heart so trained that the very voice of The Lord causes a response in us. That we hear his voice above all the other voices that rival for our attention. It is very interesting to watch mothers on a playground chatting with  other mothers.  With all the noise on the playground, yet if their child calls them or cries instantly mom responds. She is trained to her child’s voice and responds to their cry. Her love for her child causes her to be so attentive.

 

Our affections for the Lord should be so well trained!  “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” This is the end goal of the Holy Spirit – to have sons and daughters that have found their joy in serving their Lord and Father. Such a priceless reward awaits those who submit to the training.  The process of bringing forth purified faith. As gold made molten from the fire releases the dross, so the hardships of life release our desire to build our security here (sand castles) and transfer our security fully over to The Lord.

 

For our following Vidas I want to talk about these “other voices” that rival for our attention, how to deal with them and how the armor of the Holy Spirit is to be used (Ephesians 6).

 

Father God,

How much You value purified faith. For once we have it we can enjoy You, and join You in your work. Seeing You exalted is our greatest joy. Mixed faith still has too much of self and still too concerned with the affairs of this life. Free us and help us to understand that truly the only thing we can keep is You.  You are more than enough. Thank you and Amen

 

Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur

 

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“The Will of the Father” Part II

 Luke 12:29-34
“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after:and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
The scriptures are beautiful for the application of them is manifold. We have studied these same scriptures in light of trusting God for our needs and they do address that. Yet “The Will of the Father” for our lives can also be discerned from these versus. Once the decision to accept Christ has been made, then that which is before us is a life lived by completely different values. A making new of our value system and security base is what likes ahead. An analogy that scripture uses is the purifying of gold. Though none of us are goldsmith’s we understand that the purification process is through intense heat. Through that process the dross is separated from the gold, and being lighter makes its way to the top. Once there the goldsmith removes the dross with its impurities. What remains then, is pure gold. How does the goldsmith know that the heat has done its job; that the gold is now pure?  When the goldsmith can see the reflection of his face in the gold. The Lord is likened to our goldsmith, do we reflect Him?
For our faith to grow it must be tried. Exercise is another analogy. This exercise is more like boot camp. It darn near kills you and that’s the point of it. It must weaken self will and develop a new obedience to a higher calling. The upward high calling of Christ as Paul writes in Philippians 3:14 ” I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The word press here is ” dioko” which has two meanings depending on how it is used. One means to be continuously persecuted and it’s second usage is to press hard after something in order to obtain. We can make application of both meanings. We are to persecute diligently any thought, deed or word that “exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ in us” and press hard after ” for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
This is the mind set Christ speaks of when he says “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you. Fear not little flock for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Fear not, Phoebe means just that and it is where we get the word Phobia. The next interesting definition is “good pleasure.” In the phrase “it is your Father’s good pleasure to give” it stresses not only the “intent but the absolute willingness to do it” and or the “enjoyment  of taking pleasure in it.”However He is after something more real, something that is eternal. When I read these scriptures there is a deeper truth being shared. I read a life that is completely abandoned to God. In financial terms all emotional asserts, hopes, dreams, securities, and ambition are 100% invested with God. “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heaven that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
The purpose of the trials is to show us the vanity of being attached to this world’s value system and living for it, as opposed to the Kingdom God. There is nothing here that I am looking for. My sense of security and value comes from becoming evermore God’s son. The trials and challenges make me depend more and more upon Him and His Word. I look to my Father to provide for me. Even in NOT PROVIDING He is providing me the opportunity to press into Him through prayer, fasting and scripture reading. Did not Paul go days without food and shelter?
To develop a faith that says like Job, “though he slay me yet will I trust Him” is to be fully surrendered. To have no care of self, which is our greatest stumbling block. For though, now is difficult, it will be beautiful. I use to think that something was wrong with me and that was why I struggled so. However as the years have burned away the dross I see a Christ likeness emerging;  bringing  joy, hope and confidence that nothing in this world can give. It’s more than worth it, so take heart hermanos and hermanas ( brothers and sisters), God is at work.
Father God,
Though what has been shared is true, it is not easy. In fact life can be extremely beyond belief with difficulty, setbacks and challenges. We struggle because our faith is young and not equal to the challenges we face. Help us to dive into your Word whereby our faith can grow. As our faith matures our trials become smaller. Help us to do what we can to expose our self to Your teaching, prayer and fellowship. The rest is in your hands. Thank you and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur